Whales are found close to the coast at certain times and in certain places around the world, it is the best time to observe them from land or from a boat.
Have you ever seen a whale up close?
The time when whales approach the shore can vary depending on the species and location of the whales. Some whale species, such as humpback whales and gray whales, migrate annually between feeding and calving areas, their movements closely linked to food availability and the reproductive cycle.
Humpback whales, for example, migrate long distances between their feeding grounds in cooler waters and their breeding grounds in warmer waters. They can be seen along the coast during their migration, usually from late spring to early autumn, with the peak migration season varying from location to location. On the west coast of the United States, for example, the high season for watching humpback whales is usually from April to November.
Gray whales also migrate annually between their Arctic feeding grounds and their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico. They can be seen along the coast during their migration, usually from December to May, although the peak season varies by location. On the west coast of the United States, for example, the peak season for watching gray whales is usually from December to April.
Other species of whales, such as orcas and dolphins, are resident species, meaning they don’t migrate but instead remain in a specific area throughout the year. These species can be observed along the coast all year round, but their movements and behavior can vary depending on the season and food availability.
These are some of the places in the world where it is easier to see whales:
Hermanus, South Africa
Hermanus is considered one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching, as southern right whales come ashore during the mating and calving season, from June to December.
Azores, Portugal
The Azores are a group of volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, and offer excellent opportunities for whale watching all year round. The most common species are the sperm whale, the blue whale and the humpback whale.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a popular destination for whale watching, with a variety of species including humpback, minke and orca whales, as well as dolphins, porpoises and seals.
maui, hawaii
Maui is known for humpback whale watching, which peaks in the December through April season. Whales can be seen from the shore or on a boat trip.
Hervey Bay, Australia
Hervey Bay is a popular spot to watch humpback whales as they migrate along the Queensland coast from July to November.
Baja California, Mexico
The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coast of Baja California offer excellent opportunities to see gray whales, as well as other species such as humpback and blue whales. The best time to visit is between December and April.
Tromso, Norway
Tromso offers one of the best places in the world to see the elusive Orca, or killer whale, as well as humpback and minke whales. The best time to go is between January and March.
Keep in mind that the best time to watch whales depends on the species and specific location, and that seasons can vary. That’s why it’s important to plan your trip in advance.
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